Agriturismo?

We stayed a week at Cretaiole (http://www.cretaiole.it/index.php/en/) near Pienza & loved it. Very well situated to explore the Val D'Orcia. There are lots of free & optional activities & Isabella put together a large travel guide binder with loads of tips & recommendations. Luciano, the patriarch, comes around in the evening with his homemade limoncello, vin santo & grappa & communicates using google translate. You also have access to the vegetable garden! Highly recommended.

We have stayed in numerous agriturismos over the years and love the experience ! Some are old stone villas that are working olive groves or vineyards that are now welcoming guests. Take a look at discovertuscany.com and bella-toscana.com.

You will need a car to reach them.

We love Borgo Argenina which is close to Castellina in Chianti and Cretaiole which is closer to Pienza. Elena and Isabella cook one evening with their guests which is delightful to cook and laugh and sit down to a sumptious Italian meal with all of the guests.

Agriturismi are rooms in farmhouses in the countryside usually only accessible by car. There should be some working farm element, even if the rooms are newly built. Weeklong stays are preferred in July and August, but shorter stays are possible off-season. For a sampling, visit agriturismoitaly.it or search online for “agriturismo.” Rick's guidebook also lists a few favorites scattered in the relevant region chapters (not a separate list all together). Many serve meals, some have a swimming pool, some have a way to interact with the farm activities.

Thanks so much for your input on the Agriturismo's. Such helpful information